The charity, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, has launched a new Young Person membership to encourage access to nature and improve wellbeing for young adults.
The membership, aimed at 18 to 25-year-olds, is available at a special rate of £30 compared with £45 for Single Membership, in recognition of financial constraints faced in this age group, including students. This offer arrives just in time for the vibrant Autumn Colours, the most anticipated season at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, managed by Forestry England, offering spectacular sights and exceptional value.
The membership donation supports the arboretum’s 10-year vision to connect people with trees to improve quality of life and to help inspire young people through conservation, education and participation. Members also receive a host of membership benefits as a way of saying thank you for being one of Westonbirt’s advocates.
Emma Griffiths, CEO, said, “We feel this is a great way to enable younger people to access nature while boosting their mental wellbeing. It’s about having more opportunity to venture into the Great Outdoors and to disconnect from technology and the stresses of modern living. But it’s also about doing so in an affordable way, while advocating the work we do so we can ensure the arboretum will continue to flourish and be better able to play its part in tackling global challenges.
“We want as many people as possible to experience the strong connection with trees, and to benefit from its positive impacts on health and wellbeing.”
Research shows that getting out into nature offers immense benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Spending time in green space is associated with improved mood, reduced feelings of stress and anger, as well as improved confidence and self-esteem. Getting out into the fresh air encourages more physical activity and the chance to connect with others.
This comes as alarming statistics reveal that young people in the UK have higher mental health needs than ever, with numbers increasing since the pandemic. The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England report, published annually by NHS England, found that 23.3% of 17 to 19-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023, while in 20 to 25-year-olds it was 21.7%.
This equates to one in five young people. The same survey revealed that 17 to 25-year-olds with a probable mental disorder were three times more likely to not be able to afford to take part in activities such as sports, days out or socialising with friends, compared with those unlikely to have a mental disorder (26.1% compared with 8.3%).
Just over half (54.8%) of young people aged 17 to 25 years reported being worried about the impact of climate change.
In light of this, Westonbirt has reevaluated its plans, ensuring that the tree collection is better managed to support young people’s aspirations and interests in the future. Drawing on a significant research project conducted by Westonbirt staff in collaboration with Bedgebury National Pinetum, key recommendations included enabling greater representation of young people in decision making, responding to their environmental concerns more directly, and supporting their wellbeing.
The research also highlighted barriers to participation facing young people that the Young Person Membership aims to address.
Members of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum can enjoy benefits including: free, year-round entry; discounted entry at partner gardens; free seasonal, educational events and activities; and Early Bird booking for Forest Live concerts and Christmas at Westonbirt, plus free event parking for one car (worth £8).
Membership can be applied for online or onsite at Westonbirt Arboretum and will be confirmed with an instant email confirmation. More information can be found here.